3 Review(s)

Having sold more than 2 million copies over its lifetime, How Computers Work is the definitive illustrated guide to the world of PCs and technology. In this new edition, you'll find detailed information not just about every last component of hardware found inside your PC, but also in-depth explanations about home networking, the Internet, PC security, and even how cell phone networks operate. Whether you're interested in how the latest graphics cards power today's most demanding games or how a digital camera turns light into data, you'll find your answers right here. Ron White is a former executive editor and columnist for PC Computing, where he developed the visual concept behind How Computers Work. Founder of one of the earliest PC user groups, he has been writing about computers for 25 years and is known for building wildly extreme computers. Timothy Edward Downs is an award-winning magazine designer, illustrator, and photographer. He has directed and designed several national consumer, business, technology, and lifestyle magazines, always infusing a sense of “how it works” into every project. A full-color, illustrated adventure into the wonders of TECHNOLOOGY This full-color, fully illustrated guide to the world of technology assumes nothing and explains everything. Only the accomplished Ron White and award-winning Tim Downs have the unique ability to meld descriptive text with one-of-a-kind visuals to fully explain how the electronic gear we depend on every day is made possible. In addition to all the content you've come to expect from prior editions, this newly revised edition includes all-new coverage of topics such as: How tablet PCs put the power of a PC quite literally in your hands How Windows Vista makes your Windows desktop translucent and makes your PC more secure How advances in optical disc technology such as dual-layer DVD, HD-DVD, and Blu-Ray discs continue to push the envelope How Apple's new I Phone is revolutionizing what cell phones can do How Bit Torrent technology enables anyone to share information with everyone For a decade, How Computers Work has helped newbies understand new technology, while at the same time hackers and IT pros have treasured it for the depth of knowledge it contains. This is the perfect book about computing to capture your imagination, delight your eyes, and expand your mind, no matter what your technical level! About the Author Ron Whiteis the former executive editor of PC Computing magazine, where he developed the popular How It Works illustration to explain the new technologies that were emerging in computing at a prodigious rate. He is also the author of the best-selling How Digital Photography Works, and books on software, MP3, and digital cameras. His writing and photography have appeared in some of the leading magazines in the nation. Timothy Exward Downs is the national award-winning illustrator of How Computers Work and How Digital Photography Works. Tim has been involved in all facets of graphic design in his illustrious career. From illustrator to creative director, Tim has led teams of artists and designers in advertising agencies, marketing communications firms, and consumer magazines to better tell their stories through illustration, photography, typography, and design. “Our job doesn't start when the writer hits Save. In order to effectively communicate the tone or the concept of the piece, we need to know and understand the story from the original brainstorm all the way through final execution,” reminds Tim. Table Of Contents Introduction Part 1: Boot-Up Process Chapter 1 Getting to Know the Hardware Chapter 2 How Circuits Juggle Data Chapter 3 How a PC Comes Alive Chapter 4 How an Operating System Controls Hardware Part 2: How Microchips are the PC's Brain Chapter 5 How Transistors Manipulate Data Chapter 6 How a Microprocessor Works Part 3: How Software Works Chapter 7 How Programming Languages Work Chapter 8 How Windows Works Chapter 9 How Software Applications Do Your Work Part 4: Data Storage Chapter 10 How a Computer's Long-Term Memory Works Chapter 11 How Disk Drives Save Information Chapter 12 How Little Things Make Drives Faster and Bigger Chapter 13 How PCs Use Light to Remember Data Part 5: Input/Output Devices Chapter 14 How Data Gets Into Your PC Chapter 15 How Scanners Capture Words and Images Chapter 16 How Computers Use Power Chapter 17 How Serial Ports Triumph Chapter 18 How a Computer Display Works Chapter 19 How Digital Photography Works Part 6: Games and Multimedia Chapter 20 How Multimedia Sound Works Chapter 21 How Multimedia Video Works Chapter 22 How Game Hardware Puts You In the Action Chapter 23 How Games Create 3D Worlds Part 7: How the Internet Works Chapter 24 How Local Area Networks Work Chapter 25 How PCs Connect to the Internet Chapter 26 How the Internet Moves Data Chapter 27 How We Reach Each Other Through the Net. Chapter 28 How Wireless Sets PCs Free Chapter 29 How the Net Provides Video and Audio on Demand Chapter 30 How the World Wide Web Works Chapter 31 How Internet Security Fights Off PC Invaders Part 8: How Printers Work Chapter 32 How Black-and-White Printing Works Chapter 33 How Color Printing Works Index